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Laurie Cameron

Certified Coach & Master Certified Relationship Coach

The Journey From Fear to Love

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Weekly WAKE UP Call!

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December 22, 2008

 

The Gift Shift

 

You've heard the old adage: "Tis better to give than to receive." I agree with that, up to a point. I don't believe its unilateral, nor do I believe that it implies that receiving is somehow "bad." There are times when it's definitely better to receive.

 

There are unlimited gifts all around us, just waiting for us to receive them. Unfortunately, they don't always look like what we think gifts should look like, and we continue to miss out on their blessings, day after day, year after year.

 

We think gifts should only come wrapped in pretty paper, given in kindness and with loving, happy thoughts. Those kinds of gifts are definitely nice, and I sure won't turn any down!

The "Other" Gifts

 

The "other" gifts out there - the ones we miss - are just as valuable to us, and often more valuable. These gifts are the opportunities the Universe presents to us that help us grow, evolve, learn, and BE more of who we're meant to be. These are the gifts that appear to be wrapped in pain, hurt, confusion, betrayal, disease, or fear.

 

One way of looking at a disease is that it's a terrible thing. With a shift in perspective, though, it can become the springboard to a healthier lifestyle. Or it can be an invitation to surrender control and fear.

 

You might perceive a relationship that ends as a heart wrenching betrayal. Or you can view it through the eyes of gratitude, focusing on the shared joys and the lessons learned. You can hold it with bitterness, disdain and contempt (YUCK!), or you can hold it gently with appreciation and gratitude.

 

What you might perceive as a financial crisis can be seen by others as an opportunity to clean out the old and refresh and rebuild a better system. It can be a great gift to be pushed into a new way of thinking, doing and Being that's healthier and more efficient.

 

A former client of mine had a "problem" employee that eventually turned into her greatest gift. My client learned a great deal about being a stronger leader and about setting healthier professional boundaries at work. What a fabulous gift!

The Gift Shift

Any personal "tragedy" or "struggle" can be turned into a personal triumph with a shift in your perspective. All it takes (and I don't use that term to diminish or disrespect anyone's experiences) is shifting your point of reference from "problem" to "gift".

 

This is what I call The Gift Shift. And you get to choose it EVERY SINGLE TIME you feel you're up against a new challenge.

 

NO ONE is telling you how to think. Well, many are trying to, but you don't have to listen or go along. Anytime you feel dragged down by a challenge or what you perceive as a problem, you always have the freedom to ask, "I wonder what the gifts are in this?"

 

In my coaching and teaching, as well as in my own life, I've discovered that this is the fastest, most direct route to possibility thinking. And when you're hanging out in possibility thinking, all kinds of new and creative options start showing up!

Here's your WAKE UP CALL TO ACTION:

So what are the gifts in your life that you've been overlooking, labeling them as problems? Are you ready to make The Gift Shift ?

Try it out and let me know what starts changing in your life. Call me at 303-740-0352 or email me: Catalyst (at) LaurieCameron (dot) (com) with "Gift Shift" in the subject line.

 

(c) 2008 Laurie Cameron. All rights in all media reserved

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NOTE: you have my permission to share or reprint this article, as long as you include the following byline at the end of it:

 

 

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